The award recognises and encourages its bearer to improve social, economic and cultural relations with Cameroon.

The Honorary Consul of the Federation of Russia in Douala, Dr. Jean Marie Tchuissang, received the Russian “Pouchkine” medal of distinction issued by Russian officials for the award. Ambassador Nikolai L. Ratsiborinskiy of Russia to Cameroon handed over the medal on behalf of his country’s President in the presence of Cameroonian dignitaries, including officials of the External Relations Ministry, the Littoral Governor’s Office and the Minister Plenipotentiary and Head of Douala Protocol and Consular Branch Office, Maxwell Jing.

During the handing over ceremony at the Sawa Hotel on Thursday the Ambassador spurred the awardee to contribute to the development of Russia’s cooperation with Cameroon, transmit friendly relations and love of his country to Cameroon and all development effort by the Ambassador.

Speaking shortly after receiving the Pouchkine medal, Dr. Jean Marie Tchuissang underscored the importance of the medal as one that gives him the opportunity to improve social, economic and cultural relations between Russia and Cameroon. He described the award as an opportunity to continue Russia’s development effort vis-à-vis Cameroon and said the ceremony was a moment unforgettable in his life.

The honorary Consul is a Cameroonian and the first African to be awarded the “Pouchkine”. The Pouchine signifies Russia’s recognition and encouragement to improve socio-economic and cultural relations with the host country. Tchuissang attended primary and secondary education in Cameroon before leaving for Russia at 16, where he obtained a Doctorate degree in Medical Veterinary at 22; after which he returned to Cameroon. Appointed Regional Delegate of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries for the Littoral in 1987, he worked until 1997. In 2004 Dr. Tchuissang was introduced to the Russian-Cameroon relations until when he became Honorary Consul.

It is worth recalling that Cameroon of late benefitted Russian assistance to flood and natural disaster victims in the northern regions. The Russian Ambassador declared his country’s desire to transform the capacity of Cameroon’s natural resources. “We plan towards the achievement of agriculture and hydroelectricity. The demand for experts to be trained in Russia is high,” he avowed.